Washington Snowpack Well Off Average

The Washington snowpack is not off to a good start. NRCS’ Scott Pattee said the 11 basins across the state are well off where they should be this time of year.

“We’re in the red for the most part which is the lowest category we can go on the snow maps. Which means we’re less than half, 50% of normal, pretty much statewide.”

Pattee said while we have seen some precipitation, most of it has fallen as rain, even in the higher elevations, leaving the snowpack almost none existent. As far as the basins are concerned:

The Lower Yakima is at 38% of average

The Upper Yakima is at 37% of average

The Central Columbia is at 45% of average

The Upper Columbia is at 50% of average

The Lower Snake is at 81% of average

Again, those numbers are for this time of year.

Pattee said he’s not worried at this point, but the long range forecast does make him concerned.

“For the next three months, they’re saying above normal temperatures with equal chances of precipitation, which means it can go either way. So, it’s going to be a waiting game to see how the rest of the winter goes.”